Chapters & Reunions

Chapters & Reunions

The New College Alumni Association (NCAA) is open to all former New Collegians. Within the association a number of chapters have been formed based on generation and region.

NCAA Generational Chapters

1970’s

1980’s

1990’s

2000-2005

2006-2011

NCAA Regional Chapters

Sydney Chapter

MelbourneChapter

NewcastleChapter

Hong KongChapter

SingaporeChapter

From time to time alumni from these chapters help to organise reunions in conjunction with New College. If you would like information about any of these chapters, please contact the Alumni & Public Relations Office on +61 (2) 9381 1740 or email: alumni@newcollege.unsw.edu.au

Previous NCAA Reunions

New College Alumni Reunion 2010

In March 2010, a reunion of New Collegians from the 1980s was held in North Sydney. David Green (NC 1982–1983) once again was the initiator of this great event, having organised a similar event in 2005. This time our Alumni and Public Relations Officer, Mark Fairfull helped with some of the arrangements as well as greeting people at the venue, “The Living Room” at Greenwood Plaza in North Sydney. There was a great turnout of around 100 former collegians getting together to relive old memories (and create some new ones). Plans are already underway for the next reunion in five years time. It was fantastic to see friends from College days, especially those who travelled some distance to be there, with one former resident coming from Noumea! The night flew by in a hum of chatter, laughter and friendship. The Master brought us up to date with current happenings at the College, albeit also bringing the sad news that the stocks are no longer in use! It was nice to see the New College spirit living on through its former collegians, with a good time had by all in a friendly, warm and inclusive environment. Roll on the next five years!

Asian Alumni Reunions

Upon graduating from UNSW, my ‘New’ friends continue to play an important part in my life. Whether it was getting to see David Winterton (2001–3), Kwan Hee Lee (2003–4), or our favourite Ben van Lit (2002–5) for advice on acclimatising to the English weather before I stepped onto the shores of Great Britain, or catching up with Ben, Alana Fagan (2002–5) and Nick Woolrych (2001–3) in London, these friends have never turned me down whenever I have needed their counsel to help begin the next phase of my life in a new country. I was equally excited when Alana, Timothy Burgess (2003–6) and the sisters of Kailing Wan (2000–5) and Jodie Hoi Yee Wong (2002–4) (yes, even their sisters are involved in this big ‘New’ family!), visited Oxford, and I had the chance to host them. Seeing familiar faces in a foreign land is an especially heartening experience.

Over in Asia, ex-Collegians have their fair share of alumni activities. Long before Master Trevor’s official visit to Hong Kong and Singapore for the New College Alumni dinners in recent years, the ‘New’ people in these countries have held regular gatherings in their own capacities. These get-togethers are initiated purely out of the close ties we have made during our days in College.

Even though it has been many years since our graduation, and many things have changed since – both Baber Khokher (2002–3) and Jeremiah Boon Hian Lim (2001–3) are already fathers-of-two and Alex Hock Man Law (2001–6) is now engaged – such gatherings are held still as regularly. And it would be no surprise to any that the topic most discussed at such times, revolve around New! I would strongly urge College to consider funding these ‘non-official’ events! Even though we’re now continents apart from one another, we continue to share in the lives of one another. In previous years, we in Singapore have had the good fortune of hosting many past and present Collegians visiting from overseas, including Sze Wen Teoh (2002–3), Yosuke Honjo (2002–3), Jodie Wong, Jacky Wai Sun Yu (2002–5), Daniel Parker (2000–4), Andrew Emery (2003–6), Matthew Man Ho Tsang (2003–7), Anne Yun-an Lin (2005–6), Newton Shuqing Liu (2002–6), Kate (2003–5) and Daniel Morris (2003–5), Richard Fleming (2002–5), Rebecca Barnes (2001–4; 2007–8), Emily (2001–4) and Julian Teoh (2000–1), and Shuxiang Goh (2002–5). Without exception, all ofthem have been generous in the giving of their time and friendship and called on the Singaporean ‘New’ contingent during their stay here – some have even liked it so much they decided to stay on and apply for permanent residency in this little island! When I visited Malaysia, I too had the good fortune of being hosted by ex- Collegians Sze Wen Teoh, Pey Pey Lee (2005–6) and Kenneth Jin Hong Ti (2003–6). Similarly, in Hong Kong, I was received warmly by Chichi Lo (2003–6), Jodie Wong, Jacky Yu, Vicky Wu (2002–3), Alex Law, Matthew Tsang, Janice Ying Chee Law (2005–6), Mavis Woon (2003) and Carrie So (2001). The leader of the Hongkies, Jimmy Chi Yeung Choi (2001–4), even took a train back from Shanghai where he is now doing his Masters, especially to see me. Such is the extent of the friendships which have bonded us in New College. Written by Wah Guan Lim (New College 2002–2006)

New College Alumni Reunion in Singapore

Emily and Julian Teoh and Dan and Allison Parker in Singapore hosted a small reunion on Saturday 26 April 2008 (a belated ANZAC day celebration) for ex-New Collegians. Singapore Alumni from all years (and their partners) were invited to attend. The event was held at Emily and Julian Teoh’s house in Novena. Here we include a brief summary of the night written by Emily Teoh (nee Macpherson) (New College 2001-2004).

On a hot Saturday evening in April, a small group of Singapore-based New Collegians gathered for a dinner and reunion. A decade worth of New Collegians were in attendance, many of whom had never met each other, but looking at the group it would have been impossible to tell! In typical Singapore style we dined on satay, chicken and rice … combined with damper, homemade Anzac biscuits and Arnott’s biscuits.

Along with the gathering coinciding with Anzac day, it was also the birthdays of Julian Teoh and Alison Parker (nee Teo) (pictured with birthday gifts). We broke with New College tradition, and did not attempt any basining or bucketing to celebrate this event. Instead, we delighted in reliving many cherished memories of our College days, and Jo-An Goh – who had recently visited Sydney – was able to share with the group about the renovations and building work at New.

The Master recently hosted a New College alumni dinner in Singapore. The dinner encouraged local members residing in the Asian continent to stay in touch. It also enabled the Master to share his vision for the future of New College. Professor Cairney spent four days in Singapore and in this time hosted a dinner for alumni at a well known local restaurant, Flutes at the Fort, inspected the new UNSW campus site and met with UNSW Asia staff to view the new Singapore operation.

Professor Cairney outlined the changes that have been made to New College in recent years, including the refurbishment of the Anzac Parade entrance, replacement of all existing bathrooms and the addition of the new fourth floor, and spoke about his plans to refurbish the rest of the building and consider ways to expand the work of New.

Prof Cairney specifically highlighted the new Postgraduate Village that New College was set to construct and manage at UNSW Kensington. Professor Cairney also encouraged Asian alumni to consider how they might assist future Asian Collegians through the funding of a scholarship program. Thirty alumni and New College guests attended the 2006 dinner, most of whom were at College during the 1990’s. The alumni present responded well to the ideas and expressed a keenness to have other alumni activities in the future.

“We had a wonderful time sharing New College experiences. I also shared my vision for the upgrade of New College facilities, the building of a College scholarships program and the new postgraduate building. While I was in Singapore I also inspected the new UNSW campus site. This is a very exciting development” Professor Cairney said.

“I have five key goals which make up the College’s broad vision: build a new postgraduate building, complete the College refurbishment development project, expand our alumni program both locally and internationally, obtain support for an extended scholarships program and most ambitious of all build some new New colleges in other locations, I have a dream of one day seeing a New College established and running at UNSW Asia in Singapore”, Professor Cairney said in his address.

One alumni member in apologizing for not being able to attend wrote “It is nice for you to think of a reunion in Singapore. I had many friends from Singapore during my time in New College from 1973-1976 and many others from Hong Kong and Thailand too with whom I still have contacts. Dr. Babbage was the Master at that time.”

Master visits Hong Kong for Alumni dinner – Spring 2005

The Master recently visited New College alumni in Hong Kong to encourage local members to stay in touch and to share his vision for the future of New. Professor Cairney spent 4 days in Hong Kong and in this time hosted a dinner for alumni at the Hong Kong Yacht Club and met with alumni informally at different locations to get to know alumni members.

At the dinner, Professor Cairney presented his vision for the College and spent time getting to know Collegians from three different eras. He outlined the changes that have been made to the College in recent years, including the addition of the new fourth floor, and spoke about his plans to refurbish the rest of the building and consider ways to expand the work of New. As part of this he shared his ideas on a proposed Postgraduate Village that would expand the New College work. Professor Cairney also encouraged alumni to consider how they might assist future collegians through the funding of a scholarship program. Professor Cairney commented that

“New College is such a special place that I want more young people to have the opportunity to attend and for those without the financial resources to have access to a number of scholarships.”

It was pleasing that a number of the alumni from the early 1980s provided a significant donation towards the new Stuart Barton Babbage Fellowship to, in their words, “express a small token of (their) thankfulness to the College and Dr Babbage because of the significant part played in (their) lives”.

Judging from the comments of four of our Hong Kong Alumni the trip appears to have been a success:

“It was a great pleasure meeting you in Hong Kong and the dinner was also wonderful. When you visit Hong Kong next time, I hope we can get more alumni to join us. It takes time to build up the connections. The step you have taken is an important one and well appreciated by us.”

“I had an enjoyable time last Friday and I have to say it was great to meet and ‘catch up’ with old New Collegians! The dinner was scrumptious and I can’t believe how much we ate. Next time we meet I’m sure there will be more of us to share the food around.”

“Thank you very much for the delicious dinner at the Yacht Club and giving me the opportunity to meet up with the “old boys” and “old chooks” in Hong Kong. I enjoyed the dinner gathering very much and look forward to more alumni functions in the future.”

“It was great to see you here. I am very pleased to hear of so many exciting developments at New College. It is definitely in good hands. I look forward to staying in touch and seeing you soon in HK or Singapore.”

Professor Cairney was equally enthusiastic about the benefits of the trip:

“I wasn’t sure at first whether a trip to Hong Kong was justified, but I’m more convinced than ever that we need to strengthen our alumni work with international Collegians. There is tremendous value in maintaining and fostering networks between alumni members and strengthening the bonds with the College. It would seem that an annual event of this kind is justified.”

As a result of the success of the Hong Kong alumni event Professor Cairney intends to host a similar event in Singapore in 2006. There are also plans to return to Hong Kong in 2006 or 2007. The College’s Alumni and Public Relations Coordinator, Mark Fairfull, is keen to hear from international alumni interested in fostering events of this kind in countries where we have a reasonable concentration of collegians.

New College UNSW Meets New College Oxford – Session 1, 2005

As I write only 70 days now remain until I dust off my dark-suit, white bow-tie, white shirt, commoners gown and mortar-board (which undergraduates must carry but are forbidden to wear—by order of the Proctors) and head to Exam Schools. This won’t be some bizarre Oxford soiree but my first assessment in almost two years at Oxford reading for a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. As I’ve found out, the phrase ‘reading for a degree’ isn’t just a peculiar term resulting from centuries of accumulated tradition. It actually describes what ‘readers’ are required to spend most of their time doing at Oxford—endless hours in libraries, swotting for the next essay. They come thick and fast too. Student life at Oxford has made my study habits at UNSW look positively pedestrian. Twice each week now for four eight-week terms I’ve met, usually one-on-one, with a Fellow to discuss an essay that I’d prepared that week on some extraneous topic. Often I hadn’t heard of the topic until I received the reading list the week before. I now apparently have a view on all sorts of issues from free will, to economic growth, to representative democracy, to mind-brain duality and new social movements (just ask me sometime). Outside the student life of libraries, essays, tutorials and lectures Oxford is also a vibrant academic and student community. There are seminars and public lectures every day where it is not unusual to encounter a Nobel Laureate, political figure, world-famous academic or author but always a Sir or a Lord and that’s just in the audience. At one seminar I found myself sitting next to Sir Roger Bannister of four minute mile fame. It blew me away at the time, but I am yet to take up middle-distance running.

One of the many highlights of my time here has undoubtedly been the New College UNSW reunion pub-crawl in Oxford last year attended by more than a dozen former collegians. It was auspicious for including both a pub more than 500 years old a couple of rounds at the New College (Oxford) Bar! I look forward to a repeat effort in Sydney one day.

All that now stands between me and an Oxford degree (a BA convertible with the payment of 10 quid to an MA) is a short thesis on the 2004 Australian Federal Election and seven exams in which I will write twenty-three essays while wearing rather funny clothes called sub-fusc. Beyond that I’ll be enjoying the festive post-exam atmosphere that envelops Oxford as the Summer arrives - hopefully long summer days of cricket, garden parties, croquet and perhaps a spot of punting. Beyond Oxford? If anyone happens to be looking for someone with both an opinion on meta-ethical theories and a Mining Engineering degree, do let me know! But for now, back to the library…

Ross Fox, Resident New College 1995-1998

Inaugural Alumni Dinner – Session 2, 2004

Former Wallaby and current coach of the Waratah’s, Ewen McKenzie addressed over 250 members of the alumni plus current senior residents at an inaugural dinner held on the 8th September. Ewen was returning for the first time in almost twenty year. He was in College in 1985-87 before graduating as a Town Planner. He came from Victoria in 1985 and New College was to become his home for the full three years.

“New College was my home”, he suggested. “I can still recall every member of my first group, and they were a crazy bunch. This College was a big part of my life and made coming to Sydney possible for a country lad from Victoria.”

While Ewen was at College, he played 1st grade for Randwick and eventually was to be part of numerous premiership winning teams. He never moved from Kensington where he still lives just a few blocks from the College with his wife Sally and three daughters.

He was eventually to be selected to represent Australia, playing 51 tests in the front row. He was part of the World Cup winning team in 1991 playing in the famous final in which Australia defeated the English 12-6.

He is the most capped Australian prop of all time and it has been claimed that his technical knowledge of forward play is without peer. He played in many of the legendary encounters in which Australia played in the 1990s – including the 91 WC final, the classic battle against Ireland in the quarter-finals of the same WC in which Australia won 19-18, and the narrow loss to the English in the Quarter Finals of the 1995 World Cup (25-22).

The inaugural Alumni dinner was designed to bring back collegians who left us in the previous year as well as alumni from across the last 35 years. We had alumni from as far back as 1970. Our aim was to reconnect with former residents, to facilitate contact between alumni and residents and to encourage alumni to take an active ongoing interest in the College.

Alumni are extremely important to New College. The College has played an important part in the lives of almost 3,000 people. Staff withi the College are constantly meeting people who have lived in New College and who comment at length about the wonderful time they had in residence and the impact that it had on their lives. Having shared in the privilege of being part of this great community it is the College hope that alumni will help it to sustain its good work and perhaps to help us create new ‘New’ colleges at other universities.

The Master, Professor Trevor Cairney challenged alumni to remain involved: “If you feel that the time at New College had an impact on your life, then we want your help to sustain it and perhaps even expand our operations further here at Kensington or at other universities. We particularly want to involve you in promoting Alumni functions, providing us with help to find ‘lost alumni’ and financial support for a range of initiatives including a scholarship program, art collection, completing the refurbishment of the original rooms and further building development.”

Professor Cairney stressed that New College is not just a hall of residence. Rather, it is a community that seeks to make a difference in people’s lives: “New College is committed to character building and I think we achieve this well. The claim that we make in our mission that we’re founded on Christian faith and values is real. We seek to be different and show this in the care and support we provide in this place. We also provide an exciting place to live and significant academic support that leads to residents achieving very high results and hopefully positions them to make a difference with the knowledge and skills they acquire.”

1980s Reunion – ‘The Old New’ – Session 2, 2004

Former Collegians from the years 1980-1985 recently held a highly successful reunion at the Living Room Restaurant at Greenwood Plaza (North Sydney). The event was organised by David Green and a small band of other volunteers. Approximately 130 members of the alumni were present. The organisers invited the Master and his wife Carmen to the event and also asked Professor Cairney to say a few words at the start of the evening. Professor Cairney pointed out that Collegians haven’t changed much since the 1980s but that 1980s residents might “see today’s Collegians as a bit ‘soft’.” As he pointed out, “the stocks for example are no longer in operation and there are less of the crazy stunts seen in the 1980s which are now quite legendary. Today’s Collegians do have the same talents and spirit, and the place is still a strong community, but residents are probably a little more conservative than in the past.”

Professor Cairney distributed to those in attendance an A4 sized copy of the Stocks Story Board that has been prepared for display in the College as a memento of the evening. “Former residents can come back and look at the old stocks and the pictures, but this College icon will never be used again”, he said.

Those who missed the event can visit a website set up for the event by David Green. Onto the site he has loaded many photographs from the past as well as some from the evening. For those interested the website address is: http://www.theoldnew.org

Skiing with Friends – Session 2, 2002

“Two weeks ago, I went skiing. Marcus Loane organised it and there were 14 people in the group, 9 of whom were ex-New Collegians. Most of us travelled down from Sydney, but Greg came up from Melbourne and Jono joined us from Canberra. We spent a very enjoyable first night in front of the open fire in our lodge, drinking red wine and schnapps and just catching up on each other’s lives. If I look at this group of people and where we went to school, we came from Townsville, Wollongong, Avoca, Lismore, Mildura and Sydney. We graduated from courses ranging from Law to BIT to Arts. Chemical, Materials, Civil and Mechanical engineers were represented… and one of us is still a student. Had it not been for our chance to live together and experience the fellowship of New College, I believe we would have missed out on these friendships that have enriched our lives. New College remains important to Alumni throughout our lives. We have memories of experiences (“bucketing”) and lessons learned (“how to use a washing machine”) and we value the friendships formed. Many Alumni have a more tangible connection such as a sibling who is a current resident, or a spouse who they met at College. Whether or not New College currently plays an active role in our lives—for most ex-residents, all these links to New College continue to make college an important part of our lives.”

“The Dean and I had the privilege of dining with New College and UNSW Alumni when we visited Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur recently. We had travelled to Asia to attend the fourth triennial conference of Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC) held at Rikkyo (St Paul’s) University in Tokyo, Japan. While in the region, we took the opportunity to meet with Alumni in both Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

This was an opportunity for the College to reconnect with former Collegians in a personal way in order to tell them something about New College as it is today as well as to give them a glimpse of possibilities for the future by sharing with them the Masterplan that is currently under consideration by the College Board.

In Hong Kong, arrangements for the dinner had been made by Selwyn Chan (81-83). Selwyn is also active in the UNSW Alumni. Present at the dinner at Selyn’s club were Selwyn’s wife, Patrick Tse and his wife and His Honour Barnabas Fung, Chief Judge of he District Court of Hong Kong.

Kuala Lumpur proved of special significance for us as we met with Alumni from the earliest years of the College’s operations. Our host was Dato David Koh who was in College in 1971 – its third year of operation. Also at the dinner were two of David’s contemporaries Allan Chan (69) and Jimmy Yeow (70). Allan was in College when it opened in 1969 and was able to tell us something of those early years. The late sixties was the “hippy era”, the era of Flower Power, and Jimmy’s student card (which he brought to the dinner) bore the photo of a long haired youth in obvious rebellion. From the stories he told, we deduced that he enjoyed to the full the freedoms university life provided at that time and perhaps was something of a provocateur within the somewhat sober and staid New College. How different from the conservative company director and chairman who dined with us that evening!

Also present were Damian Miller (94-96), UNSW Alumnus Mr Khai Tan (a recent graduate in Civil Engineering), and Mr Richard and Mrs Helen Palk, parents of current New Collegian Alexandra and of College Alumnus Suzanna (00-01). Richard is Consul General & Counsellor (Administrative) at the Australian High Commission in KL and Damian is Third Secretary (Political) at the High Commission.”